Pants cuff clip

ABSTRACT

A pants cuff clip comprising: a first arm having a first proximal end, a first distal end, and a first arm portion adjacent the first distal end; a second arm having a second proximal end, a second distal end, and an elbow adjacent the second distal end, the elbow having a convex bend directed toward the first arm portion adjacent the first distal end of the first arm; an arcuate shaped tensile connecting portion, the arcuate shaped tensile connecting portion connecting the first proximal end of the first arm and the second proximal end of the second arm, the arcuate shaped tensile connecting portion biasing the convex bend of the elbow of the second arm toward the first arm portion adjacent the first distal end of the first arm one to the other; a fabric covering the first arm, the second arm, and the arcuate shaped tensile connecting portion.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/086,686, filed Mar. 22, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to garment clips and moreparticularly to pants cuff clips.

2. Background Art

Fashion styles are forever changing, and new styles of loose fitting andbaggy pants result in the need for safety, while maintaining the samelook and appeal that various fashions, styles, and fashion statementsare directed to.

Such loose fitting and baggy pants often result in the rear portion ofcuffs or hems of such pants dragging on the floor, resulting in anunsightly appearance and creating a safety hazard, and/or the frontportion being unsightly. In such cases, pants cuffs often get caughtunder the wearer's shoes, the pants cuffs or hems wear, fray, or ripprematurely, the potential for accidents increases, and after awhile,because of worn, ripped, or frayed cuffs or hems, the original fashionstatement is lost.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a certain type of present fashion stylepants 10, showing bottom rear 12 of leg 14 of the pants 10 dragging onfloor 15. In particular, such pants 10 often have a longer length andare baggier than other more conventional styles. In particular, extrabaggy, long pants 10 have become stylish. It is common for the bottomrear 12 of the legs 14 of such pants 10 to get caught under heels 16 ofa person's shoes 18, when walking or even getting up from a sitting orreclining position. In addition to causing the pants 10 to get dirtyfrom dragging on the floor 15, it is also possible for the bottoms 12 ofthe legs 14 of the pants 10 to rip, as discussed above, and the pants 10to either lose their original appeal, become even more unsafe, and haveto be replaced prematurely.

There is thus a need for a pants cuff clip that allows a wearer toadjust the length of pants legs, cuffs, and hems to a desired length orheight, quickly, easily, simply, and efficiently. The pants cuff clipshould allow the wearer to change the length of the pants legs, cuffs,and hems whenever desired, without compromising structural integrity ofthe pants legs, cuffs, and hems, have a non slip surface that preventsthe pants cuff clip from slipping off the pants legs, cuffs, and hems,and be capable of maintaining a selected length or lengths of the pantslegs, cuffs and hems. The pants cuff clip should have spring clip biasto urge the pants cuff clip to close gently and securely about the pantslegs, cuffs, and hems, hold the pants cuff clip about the pants legs,cuffs, and hems, allow easy adjustment of the pants cuff clip, andremovably and releasably fit about the pants cuff.

The pants cuff clip should be aesthetically pleasing, not requirecooperation with a shoe, and allow the wearer to install, use, andreplace the pants cuff clip quickly, easily, simply, and efficiently,with a minimum of effort, while the wearer is either wearing the pants,not wearing pants, and with or without wearing shoes. The pants cuffclip should be attractive, durable, easy, simple, and inexpensive tomanufacture, package, transport, store, and distribute.

Different fasteners for pants legs, cuffs, hems, and the like haveheretofore been known. However, none of the fasteners adequatelysatisfies these aforementioned needs.

-   -   U.S. Pat. No. 4,602,389 (Brown) discloses a hem retainer,        comprising a strip of flexible material, which has a series of        first and second engagement portions. At least one of the first        engagement portions is engageable with at least one of the        second engagement portions to hold the strip of flexible        material in a circular configuration. A method of forming a cuff        on a pant leg or the like is also disclosed, the pant leg having        an inside surface, an outside surface, and an opening. An        operator first measures the desired length of the pant leg,        turns the pant leg inside out and then turns the excess length        of the leg back on the inside surface of the pant leg. The hem        retainer is formed into a circular configuration, which is then        inserted within the pant leg, adjacent the opening stretching        the pant leg around the hem retainer, by adjusting the        circumference of the hem retainer. The operator can then sew the        excess pant length to the inside surface of the pants leg        forming a cuff.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,475 (Smart) discloses a pant leg restraining        band, which is somewhat like a removable cuff for the lower end        of the pant leg. The unit ordinarily comes in pairs, and        comprises a band, which may be elastic, and which defines        spaced, inverted pockets, which receive plastic clips to clip        onto the pant leg. The band has hook-and-loop fastener material,        so that it can be wrapped around the bottom of the pant leg, and        engaged on itself to peg the pants.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,511 (Garside) discloses a temporary hemming        device that includes a flexible member having a first end and a        second end, and a fastening device for fastening the first end        to the second end through a garment, wherein the fastening        device comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the        first part is attached to the first end and the second part is        attached to the second end. A method for making a temporary hem        includes folding an edge of a garment, placing a temporary        hemming device over the folded edge, and affixing the temporary        hemming device to make the temporary hem. A temporary hemming        device includes a folded edge of a garment and a temporary        hemming device securing the folded edge in place.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,618,862 (Bunjes) discloses a pants hem guard,        for attachment to a shoe, having a frame with a U-shaped inner        portion and a U-shaped outer portion, and a clip insert attached        to the outer portion of the frame. The outer portion has two        ends attached to a rear surface of the clip insert. A pair of        horizontal members connects the inner and outer portions, so        that the frame is one continuous piece. The guard is attached to        the back portion of a shoe, with the clip insert remaining on        the outside of the shoe just above the shoe heel. A pants hem is        tucked behind the clip insert, and keeps the hem above the shoe        heel.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,582 (Milburn) discloses a trouser leg        retaining device, which is used for maintaining one's trouser        legs in the proper position in relation to one's shoes, that        includes an elongated elastic strap with a snap fastener device        at one end and either a locking clip or an O-ring at the        opposite end. The snap fastens onto one's trouser leg, while the        O-ring fastens onto one's shoe. The elastic strap has an        adjuster positioned on it to adjust the length of the strap.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,829,847 (O'Shea, et al.) discloses a pant cuff        protector, for use with long pants, for holding a cuff of a pant        leg away from the ground, which comprises a first clamping body        affixed proximate a wearer's ankle, a second clamping body        magnetically attractable to the first clamping body, and        optionally a strap therebetween.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,594,865 (O'Mahony) discloses a retaining clip        for holding paper, garments, and other objects. The retaining        clip may also be attached to a portable device (or        non-portable), and receive articles of clothing, clothing        accessories, automobile visors, or other areas whereby it is        available for receiving and retaining a device, such as        retaining a pager to a belt. The retaining clip, when used with        a device, can be optionally rotated. The retaining clip includes        a base, a leg, and a biasing means.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 668,051 (Puffer), U.S. Pat. No. 771,021 (Lux), and        U.S. Pat. No. 586,666 (Nuendorff) each disclose discloses        trouser protectors. U.S. Pat. No. 898,503 (Plummer) discloses an        overshoe holder and trousers supporter. U.S. Pat. No. 927,017        (Young) discloses a boot and shoe. U.S. Pat. No. 229,031        (Campbell) and U.S. Pat. No. 257,036 (McDermott) each disclose a        pantaloon protectors.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 3,137,863 (Dimpfl) discloses a trouser blousing        device. U.S. Pat. No. 3,328,809 (Payne, et. Al.) discloses a        trouser leg length adjuster. U.S. Pat. No. 4,028,741 (Henry)        discloses a plastic blousing block. U.S. Pat. No. 2,869,138        (Hankoff) discloses a trouser leg supporting device. U.S. Pat.        No. 2,525,756 (Aines) discloses trouser blousing means. U.S.        Pat. No. 2,480,276 (Wilkenfeld) discloses a cuff for trousers.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,974,591 (Leslie) discloses a firefighter's        boot-to-trouser strap device. U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,156 (Oglesby)        discloses a trouser leg retaining device. U.S. Pat. No.        4,941,213 (Grilliot, et. Al.) discloses a firefighter's boot and        trouser attachment.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 3,411,160 (Le Roux, et. Al.) discloses trouser        securing means. U.S. Pat. No. 383,500 (Stewart) discloses a        combined pants protector and pull trap for shoes.    -   U.S. Pat. No. D516,779 (Mehren) discloses an ornamental design        for a pant leg band. U.S. Pat. No. D505,635 discloses an        ornamental design for a money clip.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 3,365,755 (Vastano, et. Al.) discloses a clasp for        neckties and the like. U.S. Pat. No. 3,049,772 (Anderson) and        U.S. Pat. No. 1,973,009 (Mix) each disclose necktie clasps.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,385 (Fields) discloses a trouser ornament,        which generally includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and        a connector portion for connecting the upper and lower portion;        the portions being arranged such that the trouser ornament is        preferably placed about the fly of a pair of trousers, wherein        the upper portion rests on and extends across at least a portion        of the top surface of the fly, the lower portion rests on and        extends across at least a portion of the bottom surface of the        fly and the connector portion is preferably maintained at the        edge of the fly.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 3,304,118 (Jonas) discloses an anti-glare shield        attachment for sun visors and friction hinge therefor. U.S. Pat.        No. 5,282,571 (Smith, et al.) discloses a plastic visor clip.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,691 (Henricksen, et al.) discloses a method        and apparatus for holding a sleeve in a gathered position with        an elongated strap having an elastic loop on one end and a        fastener on the other end. The fastener is passed through the        loop and then folded back against itself to hold the fastener to        the loop. The sleeve holder may also have one or two labels to        add decorative graphics to the device.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 4,784,199 (Wise) discloses a wallet with a        removable clip, which permits the wallet to be clipped onto a        wearer's waistband. With the clip removed, the wallet can be        placed in the wearer's pocket, like a clipless wallet. The clip        is coupled to the wallet, without the use of barbs or glue. It        consists of a three-legged spring clip structure, in which a        first leg is inserted into the bottom of an exterior pocket on        the wallet, a second leg is spring biased against the first leg        to hold the clip onto the wallet, and a third leg is spring        biased against the second leg to hold the wallet onto the        wearer's waistband. The third leg is made wider than the first        two legs to reduce twisting of the clip within the wallet        pocket.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,276 (Niernberger) discloses a combination        wallet and billfold, which includes generally rectangular front        and back planar wallet members joined along a bottom side and        along two lateral sides. At least one of the front and back        wallet members has an outside surface defining a currency face.        The top side of the wallet members are unjoined to define a        pocket between the wallet members, where the pocket is        configured to receive credit cards and similarly-sized        documents. A U-shaped clip is secured to the currency face, and        is configured to secure paper currency to the currency face. The        clip includes first and second generally converging leg portions        connected to each other by a connecting portion urging the leg        portions toward each other under compressive tension. A        retaining strap has a first end joined to one of the lateral        sides, while a second end extends toward the other lateral side.        The wallet includes a fastening means to releasably secure the        second end of the retaining strap to the lateral sides, so that        the paper currency secured to the currency face by the clip is        further compressed and secured against the currency face by the        retaining strap.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,422 (Kaminski) discloses a combination money        clip and card holder, comprising a one-piece element having a        rectangular base with two inwardly-oriented L-shaped brackets        formed along longitudinal edges thereof. The rectangular base        also contains a stop, formed on one of the transverse edges        thereof. Together with the rectangular base, the L-shaped        brackets comprise a channel for receiving flexible cards, such        as credit cards, whereas the stop prevents the cards from being        inserted too far into the channel. The edges of the base        supporting the L-shaped brackets are tapered in the direction of        the stop to provide means for removably capturing the cards        inserted into the channel. The holder also includes a resilient        money clip formed on the opposite side of the base. The money        clip is formed, so that it is biased toward the base, thus,        allowing bank notes inserted between the clip and the base to be        removably retained therein.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,115,909 (Hull, et al.) discloses a combination        money clip made from clear extruded plastic, which is adapted to        hold not only currency, but has a compartment to hold a        document, such as a driver's license or credit card, and may        also have a pouch affixed to one of its sides, to hold a spare        emergency key, such as a car door or house key.    -   U.S. Pat. No. D429,068 (Kleinsmith) discloses an ornamental        design for a combination card case with money clip and fabric        insert.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,345 (Bell) discloses a clip-on towel, which        is adapted to a waistband of a user.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a pants cuff clip thatallows a wearer to adjust the length of pants legs, cuffs, and hems to adesired length or height, quickly, easily, simply, and efficiently. Thepants cuff clip should allow the wearer to change the length of thepants legs, cuffs, and hems whenever desired, without compromisingstructural integrity of the pants legs, cuffs, and hems, have a non slipsurface that prevents the pants cuff clip from slipping off the pantslegs, cuffs, and hems, and be capable of maintaining a selected lengthor lengths of the pants legs, cuffs and hems. The pants cuff clip shouldhave spring clip bias to urge the pants cuff clip to close gently andsecurely about the pants legs, cuffs, and hems, hold the pants cuff clipabout the pants legs, cuffs, and hems, allow easy adjustment of thepants cuff clip, and removably and releasably fit about the pants cuff.

The pants cuff clip should be aesthetically pleasing, not requirecooperation with a shoe, and allow the wearer to install, use, andreplace the pants cuff clip quickly, easily, simply, and efficiently,with a minimum of effort, while the wearer is either wearing the pants,not wearing pants, and with or without wearing shoes. The pants cuffclip should be attractive, durable, easy, simple, and inexpensive tomanufacture, package, transport, store, and distribute.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a pants cuff clip that allows awearer to adjust the length of pants legs, cuffs, and hems to a desiredlength or height, quickly, easily, simply, and efficiently. The pantscuff clip allows the wearer to change the length of the pants legs,cuffs, and hems whenever desired, without compromising structuralintegrity of the pants legs, cuffs, and hems, has a non slip surfacethat prevents the pants cuff clip from slipping off the pants legs,cuffs, and hems, and is capable of maintaining a selected length orlengths of the pants legs, cuffs and hems. The pants cuff clip hasspring clip bias to urge the pants cuff clip to close gently andsecurely about the pants legs, cuffs, and hems, hold the pants cuff clipabout the pants legs, cuffs, and hems, allows easy adjustment of thepants cuff clip, and removably and releasably fit about the pants cuff.

The pants cuff clip is aesthetically pleasing, does not requirecooperation with a shoe, and allows the wearer to install, use, andreplace the pants cuff clip quickly, easily, simply, and efficiently,with a minimum of effort, while the wearer is either wearing the pants,not wearing pants, and with or without wearing shoes. The pants cuffclip is attractive, durable, easy, simple, and inexpensive tomanufacture, package, transport, store, and distribute.

A pants cuff clip having features of the present invention comprises: afirst arm having a first proximal end, a first distal end, and a firstarm portion adjacent the first distal end; a second arm having a secondproximal end, a second distal end, and an elbow adjacent the seconddistal end, the elbow having a convex bend directed toward the first armportion adjacent the first distal end of the first arm; an arcuateshaped tensile connecting portion, the arcuate shaped tensile connectingportion connecting the first proximal end of the first arm and thesecond proximal end of the second arm, the arcuate shaped tensileconnecting portion biasing the convex bend of the elbow of the secondarm toward the first arm portion adjacent the first distal end of thefirst arm one to the other; a fabric covering the first arm, the secondarm, and the arcuate shaped tensile connecting portion.

A method of making a pants cuff clip having features of the presentinvention comprises, comprises the steps of: (a) cutting an unformedinner element of substantially planar tensile material to an innerelement shape, comprising substantially parallel opposing inner elementedges and arcuate shaped opposing inner element distal ends; (b) cuttinga fabric to a fabric shape, comprising substantially parallel opposingfabric edges and arcuate shaped opposing fabric distal ends, the cutfabric larger than the cut inner element; (c) overlappingly adhesivelyfastening the cut fabric to the cut inner element; (d) forming theoverlappingly adhesively fastened cut fabric and the cut inner elementto the pants cuff clip, comprising: a first arm having a first proximalend, a first distal end, and a first arm portion adjacent the firstdistal end; a second arm having a second proximal end, a second distalend, and an elbow adjacent the second distal end, the elbow having aconvex bend directed toward the first arm portion adjacent the firstdistal end of the first arm; an arcuate shaped tensile connectingportion, the arcuate shaped tensile connecting portion connecting thefirst proximal end of the first arm and the second proximal end of thesecond arm, the arcuate shaped tensile connecting portion biasing theconvex bend of the elbow of the second arm toward the first arm portionadjacent the first distal end of the first arm one to the other; theoverlappingly adhesively fastened cut fabric covering the first arm, thesecond arm, and the arcuate shaped tensile connecting portion.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of bottoms of legs of certain fashionstyle pants dragging on the floor;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of pants cuff clips, constructed inaccordance with the present invention, installed at the bottom rear ofthe legs of the certain fashion style pants of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the pants cuff clips installed atthe bottom front of the legs of the certain fashion style pants of FIG.1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of one of the pants cuff clips shown in FIGS. 2and 3, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross section view of the pants cuff clip of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the pants cuff clip of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the pants cuff clip of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a breakaway perspective view of the pants cuff clip of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is another cross section view of the pants cuff clip of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an unformed inner element of the pantscuff clip of FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fabric covering of the pants cuffclip of FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the fabric covering of FIG. 11 and theunformed inner element of the pants cuff clip of FIG. 10, during a stageof construction of the pants cuff clip;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the pants cuff clip of FIG. 4, duringanother stage of construction of the pants cuff clip;

FIG. 14 is a breakaway perspective view of the pants cuff clip of FIG. 4at a final stage of construction;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a pants cuffclip, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the pants cuff clip of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a perspective of the pants cuff clip of FIG. 14 during astage of construction of the pants cuff clip;

FIG. 18 is a front view of the pants cuff clip of FIG. 4 showing indiciaimprinted on the pants cuff clip;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of a pantscuff clip, constructed in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 20 is a cross section view of the other alternate embodiment of thepants cuff clip of FIG. 19.

DESCRIPTION

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 1-20 of the drawings. Identical elements in thevarious figures are identified with the same reference numbers.

Now, again, FIG. 1 shows a certain type of present fashion style pants10, showing bottom rear 12 of leg 14 of the pants 10 dragging on floor15. In particular, such pants 10 often have a longer length and arebaggier than other more conventional styles. In particular, extra baggy,long pants 10 have become stylish. It is common for the bottom rear 12of the legs 14 of such pants 10 to get caught under heels 16 of aperson's shoes 18, when walking or even getting up from a sitting orreclining position. In addition to causing the pants 10 to get dirtyfrom dragging on the floor 15, it is also possible for the bottoms 12 ofthe legs 14 of the pants 10 to rip, as discussed above, and the pants 10to either lose their original appeal, become even more unsafe, and haveto be replaced prematurely.

FIG. 2 shows pants cuff clip 20, constructed in accordance with thepresent invention, installed at the bottom rear 12 of the leg 14 of thepants 10 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the pants cuff clip 20, constructed in accordance with thepresent invention, installed at bottom front 22 of the leg 14 of thepants 10 of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4-9 show an embodiment of the present invention, the pants cuffclip 20. The pants cuff clip 20, comprises: a first arm 24 having afirst proximal end 26, a first distal end 28, and a first arm portion 30adjacent the first distal end 28; a second arm 32 having a secondproximal end 34, a second distal end 36, and an elbow 38 adjacent thesecond distal end 36, the elbow 38 having a convex bend 40 directedtoward the first arm portion 30 adjacent the first distal end 28 of thefirst arm 24; an arcuate shaped tensile connecting portion 42, thearcuate shaped tensile connecting portion 42 connecting the firstproximal end 26 of the first arm 24 and the second proximal end 34 ofthe second arm 32, the arcuate shaped tensile connecting portion 42biasing the convex bend 40 of the elbow 38 of the second arm 32 towardthe first arm portion 30 adjacent the first distal end 28 of the firstarm 24 one to the other; a fabric 44 covering the first arm 24, thesecond arm 32, and the arcuate shaped tensile connecting portion 42.

FIGS. 10-14 show the pants cuff clip 20 during different stages of stepsof a process for manufacturing the pants cuff clip 20, as describedherein. The steps of the process for manufacturing the pants cuff clip20 are as follows:

-   -   An unformed inner element 50 of tensile material is stamped or        cut to size. The unformed inner element 50 is of substantially        planar material, although other suitable shaped material may be        used. The unformed inner element 50, which has been cut to size,        is shown in FIG. 10, and has substantially parallel opposing        edges 52, and arcuate shaped opposing distal ends 54 after        having been cut to size.    -   A fabric 56 is cut to size, as shown in FIG. 11, and has        substantially parallel opposing edges 58 and arcuate shaped        opposing distal ends 60, after having been cut to size. The        fabric 56 is larger than the unformed inner element 50. A        suitable adhesive is placed on the unformed inner element 50 and        optionally on the fabric 56.    -   The adhesively coated unformed inner element 50 is placed on the        fabric 56, as shown in FIG. 12.    -   The fabric 56 is overturned onto and pressed onto the adhesively        coated unformed inner element 50, fastening the fabric 56 and        the unformed inner element 50 one to the other, and covering the        unformed inner element 50 with the fabric 56, as shown in        FIG. 13. Substantially centrally disposed seam 62 and fabric        pleats 64 remain after the fabric 56 is adhesively fastened to        the unformed inner element 50.    -   The unformed inner element 50 having the fabric 56 fastened        thereto and covering the unformed inner element 50 is formed to        shape, having the first arm 24, the second arm 32, the arcuate        shaped tensile connecting portion 42 connecting the first arm 24        and the second arm 32 one to the other, and the second arm 32        having the elbow 38 adjacent the second distal end 36, as shown        in FIG. 14, and as previously discussed and shown in FIGS. 4-9.

The pants cuff clip 20 may be of metal, such as tensile steel, steel,aluminum, brass, copper, metal having or treated to have tensileproperties, or other suitable metal, plastics, thermoplastics,thermosetting polymers, or other suitable plastic, thermoplastics,and/or thermosetting polymers having tensile properties and/or memoryproperties, rubber, wood, wood treated to have tensile properties,materials having hysteresis properties, or other suitable material orcombination thereof.

The fabric 44 and/or the fabric 56 may be of cloth, cotton, denim, orother suitable fabric or material.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show an alternate embodiment of a pants cuff clip 70,which is substantially the same as the pants cuff clip 20, except thatthe pants cuff clip 70 has a plurality of stones 72 adhesively fastenedto the pants cuff clip 70.

FIG. 17 shows the pants cuff clip 70 during a step of a process ofadhesively fastening the plurality of stones 72 to the pants cuff clip70, with certain ones 74 of the plurality of stones 72 already havingbeen fastened to fabric covering 76 of the pants cuff clip 70, and otherones 78 of the plurality of stones 72, as the other ones 78 of theplurality of stones 72 stones are being placed onto the fabric covering76 of the pants cuff clip 70.

The plurality of stones 72 may be decorative stones, rhinestones, gemstones, other suitable stones, or combination thereof.

A suitable adhesive is placed onto the backs of the plurality of stones72, prior to fastening the plurality of stones 72 onto the fabriccovering 76 of the pants cuff clip 70. The adhesively backed pluralityof stones 72 are then pressed onto the fabric covering 76 of the pantscuff clip 72, resulting in the pants cuff clip 70, as shown in FIGS. 15and 16.

FIG. 17 shows an alternate embodiment of a pants cuff clip 80, which issubstantially the same as the pants cuff clip 20, except that the pantscuff clip 80 has indicia 82 or other suitable design or insigniaimprinted onto fabric covering 84 of the pants cuff clip 80.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show an alternate embodiment of a pants cuff clip 120,which is substantially the same as the pants cuff clip 20, except thatthe pants cuff clip 120 has edge binding 142. The pants cuff clip 120may hereinafter also be referred to as the aesthetically pleasingfastener 120.

The aesthetically pleasing fastener 120 comprises a clip 126 and acovering 128. The covering 128 covers the clip 126. The clip 126 is forreceiving hem 122 of the of legs 14 of the pants 10 and for allowing thedesired height of the hem 122 of the legs 14 of the pants 10 to bemaintained and repeatedly changed without compromising the structuralintegrity of the of the legs 14 of the pants 10 or having to cooperatewith a shoe, so as to allow the aesthetically pleasing fastener 120 tobe used without a need for a shoe, while the covering 128 of theaesthetically pleasing fastener 120 makes the aesthetically pleasingfastener 120 appealing and aesthetically pleasing.

The clip 126 is preferably made from metal or plastic, but is notlimited to that, is substantially U-shaped and one-piece and hasinterior surfaces 125, exterior surfaces 127, edges 129, and a pair ofarms 130, which may hereinafter also be referred to as legs 130, thepair of legs 130 with a common end 132 and a pair of free ends 134,respectively. The pair of legs 130 of the clip 126 overlie each otherand are joined to each other at the common end 132 thereof. The commonend 132 of the pair of legs 130 of the clip 126 has slight resiliency.The pair of free ends 134 of the pair of legs 130 of the clip 126,respectively, are rounded for safety and for not puncturing the covering128.

The common end 132 of the pair of legs 130 of the clip 126 spaces thepair of legs 130 of the clip 126 slightly apart from each other forallowing the hem 122 of each of the legs 14 of the pants 10 to bereplaceably positioned between the pair of legs 130 of the clip 126,while the pair of legs 130 of the clip 126 allow the desired height ofthe hem 122 of the legs 14 of the pants 10 to be maintained andrepeatedly changed, without compromising the structural integrity of thelegs 14 of the pants 10 or having to cooperate with a shoe, so as toallow the aesthetically pleasing fastener 120 to be used without theneed for a shoe, by virtue of the pair of legs 130 of the clip 26compressing against the hem 122 of the leg 14 of the pants 10, as aresult of the slight resiliency of the common end 132 of the pair oflegs 130 of the clip 126.

One of the legs 130 of the clip 126 is for abutting exterior 133 of theleg 14 of the pants 10, while the other leg 130 of the clip 126 is forabutting the hem 122 of the leg 14 of the pants 10 interior to the leg14 of the pants 10, and is narrow and substantially flat. The other leg130 of the clip 126 is narrow and extends from the common end 132 of thepair of legs 130 of the clip 126 inwardly towards the one leg 130 of theclip 126 for abutting the exterior 133 of the leg 14 of the pants 10,then transitions therefrom at a transition point 136 thereof, outwardlyaway from the one leg 130 of the clip 126 for abutting the exterior 133of the leg 14 of the pants 10, to the free end 134 thereof.

The transition point 136 of the other leg 130 of the clip 126 is arcuatefor not compromising the structural Integrity of the leg 14 of the pants10, since the transition point 136 of the other leg 130 of the clip 126is for abutting the hem 122 of the leg 14 of the pants 10. The commonend 132 of the pair of legs 130 of the clip 126 is arcuate for allowingonly the transition point 136 of the other leg 130 of the clip 126 toabut the hem 122 of the leg 14 of the pants 10. The covering 128overlyingly covers all surfaces of the clip 126 in their entireties,i.e., the interior surfaces 125 of the clip 126, the exterior surfaces127 of the clip 126, and the edges 129 of the clip 126, preferably bystitches or glue, but is not limited to that, for aesthetics and forpreventing the clip 126 from damaging the leg 14 of the pants 10. Thecovering 128 is preferably made of a fabric, but is not limited to that,and preferably matches that of the legs 14 of the pants 10 or mayalternatively be a different color or colors for decorative purposes,depending on preference of the intended user.

The covering 128 includes an inner portion 138, an outer portion 140,and edging/binding 142. The inner portion 138 of the covering 128overlyingly covers the interior surfaces 125 of the clip 126; the outerportion 140 of the covering 128 overlyingly covers the exterior surfaces127 of the clip 126; and the edging/binding 142 of the covering 128overlyingly covers the edges 129 of the clip 126 and connects the innerportion 138 of the covering 128 to the outer portion 140 of the covering128.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detailwith reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions arepossible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims shouldnot be limited to the description of the preferred versions containedherein.

1. A pants cuff clip, comprising: a first arm having a first proximalend, a first distal end, and a first arm portion adjacent said firstdistal end; a second arm having a second proximal end, a second distalend, and an elbow adjacent said second distal end, said elbow having aconvex bend directed toward said first arm portion adjacent said firstdistal end of said first arm; an arcuate shaped tensile connectingportion, said arcuate shaped tensile connecting portion connecting saidfirst proximal end of said first arm and said second proximal end ofsaid second arm, said arcuate shaped tensile connecting portion biasingsaid convex bend of said elbow of said second arm toward said first armportion adjacent said first distal end of said first arm one to theother; a fabric covering said first arm, said second arm, and saidarcuate shaped tensile connecting portion.
 2. The pants cuff clipaccording to claim 1, wherein: said first arm distal end is arcuateshaped; said second arm distal end is arcuate shaped.
 3. The pants cuffclip according to claim 1, wherein: said fabric covering has a seaminteriorly disposed to said pants cuff clip.
 4. The pants cuff clipaccording to claim 3, wherein: said fabric covering has interiorlydisposed pleats at said first distal end of said first arm andinteriorly disposed pleats at said second distal end of said second arm.5. The pants cuff clip according to claim 1, wherein: said first arm hasa first arm interior side and a first arm exterior side; said second armhas a second arm interior side and a second arm exterior side; saidarcuate shaped tensile connecting portion has an arcuate shaped tensileconnecting portion interior side and an arcuate shaped tensileconnecting portion exterior side; said first arm interior side, saidsecond arm interior side, and said arcuate shaped tensile arm connectingportion interior side interiorly disposed to said pants cuff clip; saidfabric covering has a longitudinal seam substantially centrally disposedadjacent said first arm interior side, said second arm interior side,and said arcuate shaped tensile arm connecting portion interior side;said fabric covering has interiorly disposed pleats at said first distalend of said first arm and interiorly disposed pleats at said seconddistal end of said second arm.
 6. The pants cuff clip according to claim1, wherein: said fabric covering is adhesively fastened to said pantscuff clip.
 7. The pants cuff clip according to claim 1, wherein: saidfabric covering has a surface exteriorly disposed to said pants cuffclip.
 8. The pants cuff clip according to claim 7, wherein: saidexteriorly disposed surface of said fabric covering has indiciaimprinted on said fabric.
 9. The pants cuff clip according to claim 7,wherein: said exteriorly disposed surface of said fabric covering hasstones adhesively fastened to said fabric.
 10. The pants cuff clipaccording to claim 11, wherein said stones are from the group consistingof rhinestones, gem stones, and combination thereof.
 11. The pants cuffclip according to claim 1, wherein: said pants cuff clip is adapted toremovably releasably fit about a pants cuff.
 12. The pants cuff clipaccording to claim 1, wherein said arcuate shaped tensile connectingportion is constructed of a tensile material.
 13. The pants cuff clipaccording to claim 1, wherein said first arm, said second arm, and saidarcuate shaped tensile connecting portion are constructed of at leastone tensile material.
 14. The pants cuff clip according to claim 1,wherein said fabric is of material from the group consisting of cloth,cotton, denim, and combination thereof.
 15. The pants cuff clipaccording to claim 1, wherein said first arm, said second arm, and saidarcuate shaped tensile connecting portion have opposing edges, saidfabric covering has bindings adjacent said opposing edges of said firstarm, said second arm, and said arcuate shaped tensile connectingportion.
 16. A method of making a pants cuff clip, comprising the stepsof: (a) cutting an unformed inner element of substantially planartensile material to an inner element shape, comprising substantiallyparallel opposing inner element edges and arcuate shaped opposing innerelement distal ends; (b) cutting a fabric to a fabric shape, comprisingsubstantially parallel opposing fabric edges and arcuate shaped opposingfabric distal ends, said cut fabric larger than said cut inner element;(c) overlappingly adhesively fastening said cut fabric to said cut innerelement; (d) forming said overlappingly adhesively fastened cut fabricand said cut inner element to said pants cuff clip, comprising: a firstarm having a first proximal end, a first distal end, and a first armportion adjacent said first distal end; a second arm having a secondproximal end, a second distal end, and an elbow adjacent said seconddistal end, said elbow having a convex bend directed toward said firstarm portion adjacent said first distal end of said first arm; an arcuateshaped tensile connecting portion, said arcuate shaped tensileconnecting portion connecting said first proximal end of said first armand said second proximal end of said second arm, said arcuate shapedtensile connecting portion biasing said convex bend of said elbow ofsaid second arm toward said first arm portion adjacent said first distalend of said first arm one to the other; said overlappingly adhesivelyfastened cut fabric covering said first arm, said second arm, and saidarcuate shaped tensile connecting portion.
 17. The method of making apants cuff clip of claim 16, wherein: said overlappingly adhesivelyfastened cut fabric covering has a seam interiorly disposed to saidpants cuff clip.
 18. The method of making a pants cuff clip of claim 17,wherein: said overlappingly adhesively fastened cut fabric covering hasinteriorly disposed pleats at said first distal end of said first armand interiorly disposed pleats at said second distal end of said secondarm.
 19. The method of making a pants cuff clip of claim 16, whereinsaid overlappingly adhesively fastened cut fabric covering said firstarm has an exterior surface, further comprising the step of: (e)adhesively fastening stones to said exterior surface of said adhesivelyfastened cut fabric covering said first arm.
 20. The method of making apants cuff clip of claim 16, wherein said overlappingly adhesivelyfastened cut fabric covering said first arm has an exterior surface,further comprising the step of: (e) imprinting indicia on said exteriorsurface of said adhesively fastened cut fabric covering said first arm.